ɬ������

Orientation is an opportunity to learn about all things Bonaventure, from the interesting classes you'll be taking to the fun and rewarding clubs and organizations you can join. It also marks the start of new friendships that you will cherish the rest of your life.

Online Orientation (for International Students Only)

---

Online Orientation is hosted to accommodate long-distance and international students to ensure their St. Bonaventure success. This online program consists of activities to complete in order to get the incoming students ready for life on campus.

Online Orientation will be held on Moodle, our university learning system. The "course" will be available to students starting July 29 and can be completed at an individual pace.

(Please note, international students are encouraged to attend both online orientation as well as international orientation.)

International Student Orientation

---

International Student Orientation is a program designed specifically for international students to assist in their transition abroad.

Students will work with the associate director of International Student Services to arrive on campus as close to a week before classes start as possible. Throughout the week, we will host activities, sessions, presentations, and workshops to give international students time to adjust to life at ɬ������.

Some of the highlights of International Student Orientation include:

• learning how to use the bus system
• joining a campus tour
• F-1 and I-20 workshops
• setting up an American bank account
• getting involved in campus volunteer projects

There are many activities hosted by our International Student Services student staff including campfires, s'mores, drive-in movies, and international game night.

Please note that this is not to replace online orientation in July. Online orientation will cover information not presented during international orientation.

International program contact:

Transfer students are highly encouraged to attend Transfer Orientation on Friday, August 28, at 10 a.m. in the Doyle Conference Center.

After Orientation, Transfer students can join in the activities planned for Welcome Days. 

Transfer Orientation is an important program for transfer students to attend and learn how to use Moodle (our academic platform), discuss your academic path with an academic advisor, meet your peer coach (a student who has been at ɬ������ for at least a full year), explore campus employment, and even have the opportunity to walk your schedule with a student leader before classes begin. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Transfer Orientation registration, please email Orientation or call (716) 375-2692. 

2026 Welcome Days Important Information

---

Welcome Days is St. Bonaventure University's three-day welcome program for incoming students that takes place during Move-in Weekend before classes begin.

The program provides an opportunity for new students to foster early friendships and support networks, help prepare them academically and socially for a successful first semester, and ease the transition to college life.

Through information sessions, campus traditions, social events, academic program meetings, and opportunities to connect with peer coaches and classmates, Welcome Days helps students become familiar with campus resources, expectations, and the St. Bonaventure community. 

• First-Year Student Move In | Friday, August 28
• Candlelight Ceremony | Friday, August 28
• Welcome Days | August 28-30
• First Day of Fall 2026 Classes | August 31 
  
   

First-Year July Orientation (In-Person) 

Each July, we host four two-day orientation sessions for incoming first-year students and their families. Students will stay in a room in one of our residence halls on campus with another student; however, any guests accompanying the student will need to find local accommodations. These sessions are strongly encouraged by the university to ensure student success and a smooth transition to college.

The table below includes the dates for the four 2026 First-Year Orientation sessions. Students are encouraged to register as early as possible, keeping in mind that some sessions may reach capacity and become unavailable.

A special Orientation Overnight trip to  July 19-20 is open to all first-year students attending any orientation session. See below for more information!

ORIENTATION FOLDER: .

Meet your 2026 O-Team student leaders!

Consider yourself invited! This overnight experience at , the Franciscan mountain community in Allegany County, is open to all first-year students attending any orientation session.

• Meet other students before school starts
• Explore the grounds, go swimming, hiking, and enjoy an evening bonfire
• Speak with the friars and ɬ������ community
• Learn about ministry and service opportunities at Bona's

Meals and transportation from ɬ������ to the Mountain and back will be provided.

After the overnight, we will bring you back to campus to begin your orientation session.

Interested? Questions? Email Natalie.